FOIA Post (2009): Upcoming Training for FOIA Public Liaisons

November 6, 2009

Upcoming Training for FOIA Public Liaisons

Agency FOIA Public Liaisons play a vital role in the administration of the FOIA at each agency. They report to their agency's Chief FOIA Officer and by the terms of the FOIA are "responsible for assisting in reducing delays, increasing transparency and understanding of the status of requests, and assisting in the resolution of disputes." 5 U.S.C. § 552(l) (2006), amended by OPEN Government Act of 2007, Pub. L. No. 110-175, 121 Stat. 2524. Agencies are also specifically required by the FOIA to make their FOIA Public Liaison available to assist requesters in those instances where "unusual circumstances" exist and additional time is required to process a request. Id. § 552(a)(6)(B)(ii). Given their role in assisting in the resolution of disputes, FOIA Public Liaisons are also the logical points of contact for the Office of Government Information Services (OGIS) when a requester has sought mediation services from that Office "to resolve disputes." Id. § 552(h)(3).

In light of these key responsibilities held by FOIA Public Liaisons and in keeping with the President's and Attorney General's emphasis on increasing transparency and working cooperatively with FOIA requesters, OIP is hosting a training conference for FOIA Public Liaisons. At this conference, we will explore ways to maximize the effectiveness of FOIA Public Liaisons in working with requesters throughout the processing of their requests. OGIS will join OIP at this training conference to discuss ways in which FOIA Public Liaisons can assist OGIS in working with requesters who have sought its services to resolve disputes.

No pre-registration is required, but you must present your government ID to enter the building. Questions regarding the conference may be directed to OIP's Training Officer, Bertina Adams Cleveland, at (202) 514-1010. (posted 11/6/2009)